What type of tool works as a lever to provide mechanical advantage when forcing entry?

A prying tool is specifically designed to function as a lever, allowing firefighters to apply force with increased efficiency when attempting to force entry. By using a long handle and a pointed end, prying tools enable the user to leverage their body weight and the length of the tool to amplify the force being applied. This mechanical advantage makes it easier to break open doors or create openings in barriers.

In contrast, cutting tools are intended for severing materials, typically employed to remove obstacles rather than to pry them apart. Striking tools, such as axes or sledgehammers, are primarily used to deliver blunt force impact, which can cause damage to entry points but do not provide the same mechanical advantage as prying tools. Drilling tools are designed to create holes and are not used for forcing entry through barriers but rather for ventilation or other purposes.